Coastal Classic
The great race north
PIC Coastal Classic
From Auckland’s start line to Russell’s waterfront, follow the boats, crews and stories behind the PIC Coastal Classic. Explore Go Boating’s previews, race reports and results, year by year.
Explore the race by year
Current edition 2026 PIC Coastal Race previews, fleet news, updates and results.The PIC Coastal Classic course
The 119 nautical mile course runs from Devonport to Russell. Crews sail past Kawau, across Bream Bay and around Cape Brett, before heading into the Bay of Islands.
PIC Coastal Classic race records
- Multihull and outright record
-
Beau Geste · 2019
5h 00m 37s - Monohull record
-
Alfa Romeo · 2009
6h 43m 32s
Coastal Classic
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Will anyone make Russell by 2pm? Coastal Classic boats turn for home as the breeze dies
Another Duchess, Motorboat III and Diablo retire as the wind dies. Can any race boat reach Russell by the 2pm cut-off?
Ben Ball heads to Russell alone, with a roast in the oven
Solo Trans-Tasman runner-up Ben Ball sails his 1976 Cavalier 36 Camellia single-handed in the PIC Coastal Classic, with a roast in the oven.
PIC Coastal Classic concierge service opens door for first-time offshore racers
The Coastal Classic Concierge Service helps first-time and returning offshore racers enter the PIC Coastal Classic with expert guidance from start to finish.
Entries open for 2026 PIC Coastal Classic, 23 October Devonport to Russell
Entries are open for the 2026 PIC Coastal Classic on 23 October, Devonport to Russell. New Zealand's largest coastal race welcomes all sailors, from cruisers to grand prix fleets.
Division 5 and 4 lead corrected-time standings at 2025 PIC Coastal Classic
Full corrected-time standings from the 2025 PIC Coastal Classic. Division 5 and 4 led all classes, with Division 5 averaging a fleet-best 19:58:15 over 119 nautical miles.
Hundreds of sails fill Waitemata as 2025 PIC Coastal Classic gets underway
Hundreds of sails filled the Waitemata under brilliant spring skies as the 2025 PIC Coastal Classic gets underway. See the highlights from the start.
Lucky takes line honours as 2025 PIC Coastal Classic delivers light-air test
Lucky claimed line honours at the 2025 PIC Coastal Classic in 17 hours 22 minutes. See full results, division winners, and trophy recipients from the race to Russell.
Lucky claims line honours at 2025 PIC Coastal Classic in 17 hours 22 minutes
Lucky takes line honours at the 2025 PIC Coastal Classic, finishing the 119nm Auckland to Russell race in 17 hours, 22 minutes. Full results and race report.
Mayhem takes third place in 2025 PIC Coastal Classic after tactical night battle
Mayhem claimed third place in the 2025 PIC Coastal Classic, battling rival Wired through the night before rounding Cape Brett and sailing into Russell.
Callisto finishes second on the water behind Lucky in 2025 PIC Coastal Classic
Jim Murray's Pac52 Callisto sailed a strong race at the 2025 PIC Coastal Classic, finishing second on the water behind Lucky and ahead of the chasing fleet.
Inside the quiet finish: Lucky's crew after winning the 2025 PIC Coastal Classic
What does it really look like to win the PIC Coastal Classic? Lucky's crew share the quiet, honest finish behind their 2025 victory.
Wired nails start as fleet charges north in 2025 PIC Coastal Classic
Wired nailed the start as the 2025 PIC Coastal Classic fleet charged north in stunning conditions, with colourful spinnakers lighting up the water.
Roger Mills captures PIC Coastal Classic fleet departing Auckland in stunning aerial shots
Roger Mills captures stunning aerial and on-water images of the PIC Coastal Classic fleet departing Auckland. See the full start-line gallery and race coverage.
Lucky opens commanding lead in 42nd PIC Coastal Classic
Bryon Ehrhart's maxi Lucky has built a commanding lead in the 42nd PIC Coastal Classic, extending her impressive run on the New Zealand offshore circuit.
Vixen Racing puts women in command for Coastal Classic and Trans-Tasman push
Vixen Racing sets sail for the PIC Coastal Classic with women at the helm and in ownership roles, before a Trans-Tasman passage to the Sydney Hobart.
Ninety boats head north as 2025 PIC Coastal Classic gets underway in light winds
Over 90 boats set sail from Devonport in light winds for the 2025 PIC Coastal Classic, heading north to Russell in one of NZ's most beloved ocean races.
Meet Thistle's crew: social media stars filing live updates for their second Coastal Classic
Meet the crew of Thistle, social media stars filing live race updates for their second PIC Coastal Classic as part of the Go Boating NZ reporting team.
Lucky takes line honours in 2025 PIC Coastal Classic after 17-hour race to Russell
Lucky wins the 2025 PIC Coastal Classic, crossing in Russell after 17 hours, 22 minutes. Get the full race recap, results, and standout crew stories.